Page:Bailey - Call Mr Fortune (Dutton, 1921).djvu/216

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
THE BUSINESS MINISTER
205

three thousand pounds in notes was paid into your account. Where did it come from?"

Sandford took off his eyeglasses and cleaned them, and put them on again. "I have no information," he said in the most correct official manner.

"Good God, man, you must see what it means!" Kimball cried.

"I beg your pardon, sir. I have no notion of what it means. I find it difficult to believe that you have been correctly informed."

"You don't suppose I should take up a charge like this unless I was compelled to."

"There's no doubt of the fact, Mr. Sandford," said Lomas gloomily.

"Indeed! Then I have only to say that no one has any authority to make payments into my account. As you have gone into the affair so carefully, I suppose you have found out who did."

"He didn't give his name, you see. Can you tell us who he was?" Lomas said.

"I repeat, sir, I know nothing about the transaction."

"And that's all you say?"

"I need hardly add that I shall not accept the money."

"You know the matter can't end there!" Kimball cried. "Come, man, you're not doing yourself justice. Nothing could be worse for you than this tone, can't you see that?"